Nerello Mascalese is an important red variety used in the production of Etna DOC. It is sometimes blended with Nerello Cappuccio.
Nerello Mascalese is the darling of Etna in Eastern Sicily. Its ability to create complex red wines that reflect subtle differences in terroir have seen it compared with Pinot Noir, and thus Burgundy.
Etna is the natural home of Nerello Mascalase and depending on where the variety is cultivated in the area, the wines take on different personalities. At higher altitudes the wines are more perfumed than the more structured, fuller bodied wines that grow lower down.
Etna’s contrada system provides an excellent opportunity to explore the grape’s ability to reflect terroir. It is however frequently blended with Nerello Cappuccio.
